CBR member Andrew Goldberg obtained a 4-year, $1.5M grant from the National Eye Institute

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Monday, May 16, 2016

CBR member Andrew Goldberg obtained a 4-year, $1.5M grant from the National Eye Institute

CBR member Andrew Goldberg of the Eye Research Institute

CBR member Andrew Goldberg, of the Eye Research Institute, was awarded a four-year, 1.5 million dollar grant (R01EY025291) from the National Eye Institute, one of the National Institutes of Health. He will investigate the molecular basis of rod and cone photoreceptor structure.

Goldberg has a long track record of obtaining external funding for his research from multiple sources. Over the last 15 years, he had nearly continuous funding from the National Eye Institute, raising $5 million as PI on a string of NIH R01 awards. He has also obtained support from Mid-West Eye Banks, the Matilda E. Zeigler Foundation, and the National Center for Research Resources.

The recent NIH grant has important implications for human health. Sight relies on healthy rod and cone photoreceptor cells. These specialized neurons are fragile and can be harmed by inherited defects, environmental insults, and normal aging, to produce retinal degeneration and loss of vision. This research will improve our understanding of healthy rod and cone cell structure and the changes that occur during progressive retinal disease, and may suggest strategies for preserving sight.